A wife, mother, runner, teacher & writer, I have to hit the ground running.

isn't it ironic, don't you think?

About this blog

By Emily Dickey

I am a 30-something Waynesboro native. My husband Chip and I have been married for 13 years and are the parents of Nora (9) and Eve (5). I am a high school English teacher, who dreams of one day having my books published. An avid runner, I have
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I am a 30-something Waynesboro native. My husband Chip and I have been married for 13 years and are the parents of Nora (9) and Eve (5). I am a high school English teacher, who dreams of one day having my books published. An avid runner, I have medals from four marathons and five half-marathons hanging from my mirror for inspiration to continue hitting the pavement.

It’s taken me a few days to write this – maybe because I’m a little embarrassed (ok, very embarrassed); or maybe it’s because I’m afraid of letting you in on a little secret (I’m not perfect) – whatever the case, it’s time to come clean.

Picture it: Thursday evening around 7 p.m. I just finished teaching Body Pump at Gold’s Gym. When I got in my car (a Honda Odyssey), I noticed a text message from my husband, asking me to pick up a prescription for him and milk for our girls. I headed to CVS with a mission in mind – quickly get the items and get home without anyone realizing how much I stunk.

When I got to the pharmacy counter, I was informed that they couldn’t give me the prescription because I didn’t have my husband’s insurance card. Yes, I realize policy is policy…but the matter still frustrated me to no end. In a huff of irritation, I headed to the front counter to purchase the milk and a bag of Jelly Bellys (for me, of course). When I went to pay the cashier, I realized that I didn’t have my bank debit card…what?

My debit card was gone.

As in, not in my wallet.

Vanished.

I freaked – to say the least – and then stormed out of the pharmacy empty handed in a whirlwind of aggravation, worry, anger and distress. Once in the driver’s seat, I screamed at the top of my lungs…words that I really can’t put here, but you get the picture. My bank account was drained – I was sure of that – and when I got home the disappointment of my husband would surely have me crying for days. I wracked my brain. When was the last time I had seen my debit card? Gettysburg – yes, a restaurant in Gettysburg; that’s where it must be.

I buckled my seatbelt, vowing to call the restaurant ASAP….I put the van in reverse with my mind in a haze; anger and anxiety were bubbling just below the surface. Seconds later I heard the sound of Odyssey on Denali – yep, I backed up right into a Denali parked behind me. My stomach sunk to the floor, shock and disillusionment overwhelmed me. I parked the car and as I emerged, a man who had seen the entire incident take place said, “Ma’am, are you ok?”

I sunk to the ground.

Right there in the middle of the CVS parking lot, I sat cross-legged, my head in my hands, and cried – wailed, actually. The man approached again.

“Ma’am, are you ok?”

I can’t imagine what this man saw as he looked at me. A 30-something-year-old woman, dressed in sweaty workout garb, sitting in the middle of a car-stained parking lot having a mental breakdown.

I couldn’t respond.

The man, this stranger, who had no reason to stay any longer – actually went into the store and found the girl who had driven the Denali to CVS. As she crossed the parking lot, I realized I knew her; she had graduated a year after me. After assessing the damage to my van (yes, there was some) and the scuff to the Denali, we exchanged the appropriate information. The man – the Good Samaritan – made sure one last time that I was ok. In the haze of everything, I never asked his name.

I never got a chance to properly say thank you.

As I think back on that evening, I am struck by how a horrible situation can have a clear silver lining – if you remember to look for it. I am in awe of the man who took the time to make sure I was ok. I am humbled by the high school friend who actually consoled me after hitting her parked car, even though we haven’t talked in years. I am filled with gratitude for the waitress who found my debit card and locked it up safely (without any additional charges) until I picked it up Friday evening.

Yes, my friends, there is a silver lining. In the midst of a streak of bad luck, it just might take longer to see it…but it’s there.